March 17 – La Liga’s outspoken president Javier Tebas says Barcelona face a heavy sanction if discovered responsible of manipulating referees and has urged the membership to return clear sooner somewhat than later.

Final week prosecutors filed an official grievance towards Barcelona and two of its ex-presidents over tens of millions of {dollars} allegedly paid to an organization that belonged to the previous vp of Spain’s refereeing committee. Prosecutors allege that beneath a secret settlement and “in change for cash”, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira favoured Barcelona in influencing outcomes.

Barcelona had been charged with paying Negreira and his firm Dasnil 95, tens of millions of {dollars} between 2001 and 2018, which membership president Joan Laporta has fiercely denied.

Tebas has already referred to as on Laporta to resign if the costs are proved and has now re-iterated that message.

“I’m ashamed we nonetheless don’t have a convincing rationalization,” Tebas advised a current convention entitled ‘Defending the European Soccer Ecosystem’.

“I imagine that Barça didn’t pay or purchase referees. However the Membership should give a proof of the funds to Negreira.

“Reputational injury to Barça and the League is great. Hiding shouldn’t be the answer.  The penalties for getting referees will likely be very severe. Fines within the tens of millions and demotion.”

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